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The Stumpwork Masterclass: Raised and Embossed Embroidery
This book examines historical pieces of stumpwork to identify their construction techniques and then identifies how modern embroiderers can use those techniques. It also examines the history of stumpwork, with particular attention to the motifs and meaning of the works. It discusses stitching, padding, wiring and needlelace techniques.
- GenresNonfiction
198 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
October 17, 2020
Alison Cole’s middle name should be Embroidery. She writes books on different types of embroidery and each one is thoroughly researched and photographed beautifully.
She self-publishes her books and each one is perfect.
She self-publishes her books and each one is perfect.
December 30, 2015
This book is a must-have for anyone attracted to stumpwork or gold work (which often uses stumpwork elements). For the casual embroiderer, it is probably too specific, although they might enjoy the photography, which is nicely done.
There are two types of embroidery books (IMHO): project books and technique books. Project books have a series of projects ostensibly for readers to copy. If the book is a good book, those projects may be grouped or structured to teach techniques, and someone could use the information in the book to apply the techniques to their own original designs. This book is not that. It is solely a technique book. The author does not give us any projects to work on to learn the techniques she is discussing. She shows both historical and contemporary examples of the technique, but there are no projects to complete. Of the technique books, the most effective are the ones that don't just illustrate the technique and describe it, but also include pictures and detailed directions for doing it. In this book, there often is not much direction on how to reproduce the effects seen. There may be line drawings of stitches or every now and then illustrating photos, but for the most part readers are left with vague directions sprinkled with hints and warnings. Be warned: you will almost certainly want to test out some of these techniques before actually doing them in a final piece. Because of this, I'm not sure a beginner will find this book very helpful. There are other stumpwork books that cover basics better. An advanced stitcher will have the know-how to fill in the blanks when trying these techniques, but a beginner may become frustrated if they have trouble duplicating the results. Still, it is a book I am glad I purchased (could not buy it through Amazon-- had to buy directly from the publisher in Australia), that will inspire my stitching for years to come.
There are two types of embroidery books (IMHO): project books and technique books. Project books have a series of projects ostensibly for readers to copy. If the book is a good book, those projects may be grouped or structured to teach techniques, and someone could use the information in the book to apply the techniques to their own original designs. This book is not that. It is solely a technique book. The author does not give us any projects to work on to learn the techniques she is discussing. She shows both historical and contemporary examples of the technique, but there are no projects to complete. Of the technique books, the most effective are the ones that don't just illustrate the technique and describe it, but also include pictures and detailed directions for doing it. In this book, there often is not much direction on how to reproduce the effects seen. There may be line drawings of stitches or every now and then illustrating photos, but for the most part readers are left with vague directions sprinkled with hints and warnings. Be warned: you will almost certainly want to test out some of these techniques before actually doing them in a final piece. Because of this, I'm not sure a beginner will find this book very helpful. There are other stumpwork books that cover basics better. An advanced stitcher will have the know-how to fill in the blanks when trying these techniques, but a beginner may become frustrated if they have trouble duplicating the results. Still, it is a book I am glad I purchased (could not buy it through Amazon-- had to buy directly from the publisher in Australia), that will inspire my stitching for years to come.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews